Category: UK Rink Guide

OK – full disclosure – we’re a bit biased on this one, as it was our kids’ first ever road game… but Telford is one of those rinks that can turn an away game into a genuinely good day out. It’s set right by Southwater, there’s plenty to do if you’ve got time, and it’s one of the more family-friendly setups you’ll come across. If you’re travelling a bit further for this one, it’s worth planning ahead — here’s how we approach away weekends

Telford is also busy. Public sessions are popular, the rink can feel chaotic at peak times, and if you’re not prepared for how things run, it can catch you out.

Here’s how to make the most of it.

Parking Reality

Parking at Telford is straightforward — until it isn’t. If you know where to go and what to expect on the way out, it’s one of the easier setups. If you don’t, it can be surprisingly frustrating.

• The closest option is billed in Google Maps as “The Centre Car Park” – suggesting it’s part of the International Convention Centre next door – it’s not though, and it’s right next to the rink.
• This is a great option – close, super clean and pretty spacious, and lifts. It’s also pretty reliable for space – although it’s not tall and in the depths of winter the top, open air, storey does get icy. 
• The down side is that it can get expensive if you’re there for a couple of days.
• Payment is on exit – there are only two machines and they can be temperamental so expect queues.
• Southwater shopping centre offers a decent alternative – and is only a few minutes’ more walk.

Inside the Rink

The first thing you’ll notice here is how busy it can feel — especially if there’s a public skate running alongside your game. This is a council run rink and just feels… loved and used.

• Seating is only available on one side of the rink and is accessed via stairs or a lift. It’s still plentiful for kids games though.
• There’s a lovely rinkside shop – Sliders – that has rescued more than one player who’s forgotten kit. Just be careful if you go in “just to browse” – there’s a surprisingly good selection of NHL jerseys in there too.
• Dressing rooms can be unpredictable — don’t assume you’ll have access after your game. This can be dependent on whether either of Telford’s NIHL teams is playing.
• Toilet watch – ladies, you might want to take seat covers to this one. We’re talking no separate seat and the tops of the loos being hit hard by the scratched seat thing you only ever see at rinks.

Coffee & Food

Food and drink here is perfectly workable — but like most rinks, it depends on timing and expectations.

• There’s a cafe that punches above its weight for its size. Expect the usual selection of drinks, crisps, sweets, flapjacks, and fried foods. 
• The range is small but the chips and curry sauce is elite (so I’m told…)
• Vending machines offer the usual options too if the cafe is closed.
• One of Telford’s biggest strengths is that Southwater park and shopping centre are right on the doorstep. Take your pick of cafes to grab drinks to take in, or make a day of it and stop for lunch before/after the game at one of the many restaurants.

What Makes It Different

What really sets Telford apart is everything around the rink. This is one of the few away days that can easily turn into a full day out if you want it to.

• There’s a soft play on site – a good option for younger siblings who need to let off steam.
• Southwater park is a real gem – multiple play areas, masses of space for picnics, a rope climbing course and even a small zoo!
• The shopping centre has a great range of both shops for all interests and bars, cafes and restaurants for all tastes.
• You’ll also find a cinema and bowling alley within minutes of the rink.

 What Can Catch You Out

For all its positives, there are a few things here that can catch you out if you’re not expecting them.

• For what can feel like a relatively small car park, the queue for payment can be HUGE – send someone ahead if you can!
• Dressing room space can be a challenge – think teams sharing for cross ices or bags having to be brought out during games. Make sure everything is well labelled, just in case.
• Don’t rush for the front row of seating in the blocks – there’s a bar running across that will be RIGHT in your line of sight!
• Make sure your kids don’t walk on the ramps rinkside – if they do they’ll slip up as soon as they hit the ice. Those things are kryptonite for lovely sharp edges.
• It will feel chaotic but don’t let that put you off. Lean into it and you can’t go wrong.

Our Honest Take

Telford can feel chaotic — there’s no getting around that. Parking queues, squeeze for changing room space, and busy public skates. But there’s also something quite warm about it too – it’s a space that’s used and loved. You might need to put a bit more prep into games here, but trust us, it’ll be worth it!

The Skydome in Coventry is one of those rinks most UK hockey families will get to know sooner or later. It’s busy, it’s loud, and it doesn’t always run quite the way you expect — but once you’ve been a couple of times, you realise it’s actually one of the easier away days to navigate. If this is your first away trip, check out our away game guide first. This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting the Skydome for a UK ice hockey game

PARKING REALITY

The Skydome is actually one of the easiest rinks for parking — if you know where to go.

• There is a very large multi-story directly behind the rink, operated by APCOA.
• Download the APCOA app and set up your payment card before you arrive. This is a pay on exit car park and it’s so much easier to do on your phone as you head to your car than join a big queue. 
• BONUS TIP – if you’re spending a lot of time here in one week go online for the £10 weekly ticket. It’s an absolute bargain!
• This car park is TALL. Do not be the wally who creates a massive queue trying to squeeze into a really rubbish spot just because it’s on the ground floor. Keep going up. I promise, there will be good spaces if you keep the faith.
• There are lifts at the cinema end – use these and those wheeled kit bags will thank you. 
• There are plenty of other car parks around the city centre if you really need them, but you’re looking at anything from a five to ten minute walk. 

INSIDE THE RINK

Here’s what you need to know about being inside…

• It’s cold. (As it should be. We’re here for ice sports… dress appropriately and embrace it folks!)
• There is a lot of seating and views are generally good wherever you go. Do be aware that for junior games, unless there’s maintenance that makes it impossible or it’s under 10s cross ice games, you WILL be asked to sit in blocks 2,3, and 4. This is to keep spectators away from the players’ benches – no need for crowds to be shouting at kids, right?
• For the most part, dressing rooms are plentiful so plenty of room for kit and bags to go straight in with the kids. The managers will know where to go.
• Toilet reality check – not the worst but definitely not the best. For preference, aim for the ones accessed via Crosby’s – these are usually your best bet.
• It’s worth checking if there’s another game on afterwards. If the NIHL Blaze are playing straight after you’ll need to leave via the Fire Exit by the Meal Hut, NOT the main entrance/exit.

Once you know these quirks, it’s actually a very easy rink to navigate.

COFFEE & FOOD

On paper there’s a reasonable offering, but your experience will depend on how well staffed the arena is while you’re there. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the possibilities:

• There are a few kiosk style outlets, plenty of vending machines and a sports bar – Crosby’s – on site. During a full event you’ll typically find:
  • crisps
  • sweets
  • drinks
  • chicken and chips style meals
  • hot dogs
  • fancy doughnuts
  • Chicago Town Pizza. 

Not the healthiest of ranges but will keep kids happy for the most part.

• Veggie/vegan options are limited but not impossible.
• For full events, there will be queues and long wait times. Embrace it and order early. 
• For smaller events – kids games, looking at you – there will be minimal staffing, and a smaller range of food options. For these games though, you can take your own food in.
• If you’re lucky there may be a bake sale on the go – take change.
• If you have the time, there are plenty of other options in Coventry. Belgrade Plaza is a five minute walk from the rink and hosts Bella Italia, Wing Kingz and Pizza Express; or head through the precinct and towards Cathedral Lanes for a good range of chain and independent options. All very walkable.

WHAT FIRST-TIMERS DON’T EXPECT

The Skydome can be a busy rink at times — and if you’re not expecting it, it can feel a bit overwhelming on your first visit. Here’s how to get the best from it:

• It can get busy rinkside while you’re waiting — especially in the winter months. If you need a breather, Crosby’s is usually your best bet
• If you decide to jump on a public skate session while you wait, just be aware — it’s very much a ‘hockey kids keep your heads down while figure skaters do their thing’ kind of rink. Manage expectations accordingly. Sucks, I know.
• Having access to soap in the loos is a bit of a roulette game – a pack of travel soap sheets can be a lifesaver.
• It’s cold. I know I’ve said it already, but it’s worth repeating — dress for it and you’ll be fine.
• Plenty of parents can and usually do stand at the plexi for games.
• The stairs between the seating blocks can be a bit slippy — take it steady.
• The Ring Road! The Skydome sits just inside it between junctions 6 and 7 so you can’t avoid it – just keep your wits about you and you’ll be fine. You may even grow to love that crazy traffic system!

OUR HONEST TAKE

Look – it’s a Planet Ice rink so upkeep is never going to be the best. It’s not the calmest or quietest rink you’ll visit either, but it’s pretty well set up, easy to get around, and once you know how it works, it’s a very manageable away day. For all that it’s rough around the edges, it has its charm – atmospherically chilly; accommodating and spacious for spectators; and ultimately home to an EIHL team so equipped with everything it needs. 

FINAL TIPS BEFORE YOU GO

• Set up the parking app before you arrive
• Don’t sleep on Coventry as a city to explore
• Bring gloves, a hat and a scarf — you will need them